Open 311

Information for developers - Open311 API

Are you a mobile app developer interested in working with 311 Toronto and the Open311 standard? Please review the information below and then contact us at open311@toronto.ca to receive additional information about our mock-up solution, which can be used in the development and testing of your application.

311 Toronto mock-up solution and testing

311 Toronto has a mock-up solution for 3rd party developers to test their apps against 311 Toronto's implementation of the Open311 API. This mock-up provides a set of fixed test cases to test the submission of a service request as well as providing status and location information for the test cases for potholes and graffiti.

If you're interested in working with 311 Toronto to implement and develop applications using the Open311 standard and/or to test applications using the mock-up solution, please e-mail open311@toronto.ca.

Note: You do not need an API key to test your app with the mock-up solution.

Authentication of completed apps

Once your app is completed and tested using our mock-up solution, you are ready for the next step. At that time you can request an API key to begin the process of having your app authenticated for use with the City's Open311 API. A production API key is required for a mobile app to submit service requests. 311 Toronto will contact you with further information once you have submitted an API key request.

Please note that you will need to review and agree to our "Technical and Operational Requirements" and the "Open311 API Terms of Service", which are included in the request form.

Which service requests can currently be submitted via Toronto's Open311 API?

- Report minor pothole damage - Graffiti on private property - Graffiti on a City road - Graffiti on a City sidewalk - Graffiti on a City bridge - Graffiti on a City litter bin

What formats of output are supported?

XML (JSON output format is also available but not fully tested at this time)

Which Open311 API methods are supported?

All six API methods have been implemented: - GET Service List - GET Service Definition - POST Service Request - GET request_id from a token - GET Service Requests - GET Service Request

How are pictures stored?

As per the Open311 API spec, we store only the URL link to photos which are stored on 3rd party sites.

Will you advertise our app for us?

No, 311 Toronto does not recognize any one app as the "official" app for City of Toronto. We will, however, list the available apps on our website alphabetically with links to the 3rd party developer websites. The City is planning to promote the Open311 channel further in spring of 2012 through advertising and other methods.

Can we have some technical contacts regarding your in-house developer support for development apps?

311 Toronto does not provide QA support for any 3rd party apps. Any questions can be addressed by e-mail to open311@toronto.ca.

How did 311 Toronto originally invite mobile app developers to take part?